Lincoln County District Attorney Rob Bovett has reopened five unsolved homicide cases from 1984, 1992, and 1995. All of the victims were teenage females.

At the request of Mr. Bovett, the Lincoln County Major Crime Team met in early January, 2009 together with members of the Lincoln County Major Crime Team as it existed in 1995. The cases were reopened and reviewed. It was determined that primary focus would initially be placed on the last two homicides, which occurred in 1995. It was also determined that some of the evidence from the cases would be resubmitted to the State Crime Lab for analysis using new technologies.

A special toll-free tip line has been set up: 1-800-452-7888. Anyone with information about any of these unsolved homicides is encouraged to call that number.

The Lincoln County Major Crime Team includes investigators from the Lincoln City Police Department, the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, the Newport Police Department, the Oregon State Police, the Toledo Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Brief Chronology

Kelly Disney, 17, was last seen walking on Highway 20 East of Newport on March 9, 1984 at approximately 1:00 a.m. On July 23, 1994, a skull, later determined to be that of Kelly Disney, was discovered in an abandoned vehicle in a wooded are near Big Creek Reservoir.

Sheila Swanson, 19, and Melissa Sanders, 17, were last seen near Beverly Beach State Park on May 3, 1992 at approximately 1:00 a.m. On October 10, 1992, the bodies of Sheila Swanson and Melissa Sanders were discovered in a wooded area near Eddyville.

Jennifer Esson, 16, and Kara Leas, 16, were last seen walking on NW 56th Street in Newport, walking toward Highway 101 on January 28, 1995 at approximately 1:00 a.m. On February 15, 1995 the bodies of Jennifer Esson and Kara Leas were discovered in a wooded area North of Newport.

Persons with information about any of these homicides are encouraged to call the Newport Police Department Detectives at 541-574-3348, or the toll-free tip line at 1-800-452-7888.